King Henry VIII

United Artists / Handout / File Photo

Charles Laughton, "The Private Life of King Henry VIII" (1933) Robert Shaw, "A Man for All Seasons" (1966) Richard Burton, "Anne of a Thousand Days" (1969) The winner: A king who had no problem speaking or indulging in any number of varying appetites, Henry has inspired filmmakers and hammy actors for the last century. Of the academy's favorites, Shaw displays cunning charm and Burton hits all the expected blustery beats. But neither tears into those drumsticks with the same zest as Laughton.

Charles Laughton, "The Private Life of King Henry VIII" (1933) Robert Shaw, "A Man for All Seasons" (1966) Richard Burton, "Anne of a Thousand Days" (1969) The winner: A king who had no problem speaking or indulging in any number of varying appetites, Henry has inspired filmmakers and hammy actors for the last century. Of the academy's favorites, Shaw displays cunning charm and Burton hits all the expected blustery beats. But neither tears into those drumsticks with the same zest as Laughton. (United Artists / Handout / File Photo)

Charles Laughton, "The Private Life of King Henry VIII" (1933) Robert Shaw, "A Man for All Seasons" (1966) Richard Burton, "Anne of a Thousand Days" (1969) The winner: A king who had no problem speaking or indulging in any number of varying appetites, Henry has inspired filmmakers and hammy actors for the last century. Of the academy's favorites, Shaw displays cunning charm and Burton hits all the expected blustery beats. But neither tears into those drumsticks with the same zest as Laughton.